BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid crystal display.
[0003] Discussion of the Background
[0004] A liquid crystal display is one type of widely-used flat panel displays, and includes
a pair of field generating electrodes, two sheets of display panels and a liquid crystal
layer disposed therebetween. The liquid crystal display generates an electric field
in a liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to the field generating electrodes,
which determines a direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer
to display an image by controlling polarization of incident light.
[0005] An alignment layer for aligning the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal
layer is formed inside the display panel. When no voltage is applied to the field
generating electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a predetermined
direction by the alignment layer, and when the voltage is applied to the field generating
electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules rotate in the direction of the electric field.
[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement
of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information
that does not form any portion of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a liquid crystal display
including a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other. A pair of field
generating electrodes is disposed on the first substrate and a liquid crystal layer
is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal
layer includes liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy. At
least one alignment layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
The alignment layer includes a main chain and at least one side chain connected to
the main chain. The side chain includes a vertical functional group or a polar group.
The alignment layer includes at least one main chain to which a side chain including
a vertical functional group is connected, and includes at least one main chain to
which a side chain including a polar functional group is connected.
[0008] The vertical functional group may be originated from the compound represented with
Formula 1, and the polar group may be originated from the compound represented with

[0009] In Formula 1, X is O, COO, or N, and R
1 is H or a substituted or non-substituted C
1-C
8 alkyl group, and in Formula 2, Y is -COOR or -NR
3 (here, R is independently H, a methyl group, or an ethyl group).
[0010] The main chain may include a polyimide.
[0011] The vertical functional group may be disposed at an upper part of the alignment layer,
and the polar group may be disposed at a lower part of the alignment layer.
[0012] A difference between a product of permittivity and resistivity of the liquid crystal
molecules and a product of permittivity and resistivity of the alignment layer may
be minimized.
[0013] The liquid crystal molecules and the alignment layer may satisfy Equation 1:
[0014] 
[0015] wherein ε
LC is the permittivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ρ
LC is the resistivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ε
AL is the permittivity of the alignment layer, and ρ
AL is the resistivity of the alignment layer.
[0016] Permittivity of the liquid crystal molecules may be about 7 to about 25, and resistivity
of the liquid crystal molecules may be greater than about 1X10-
12 Ωcm.
[0017] Permittivity of the alignment layer may be about 3.5 to about 4.5, and resistivity
of the alignment layer may be greater than about 1X10-
13 Ωcm.
[0018] The liquid crystal molecules may be aligned in a vertical direction with respect
to the first substrate or the second substrate.
[0019] The liquid crystal molecules may be pre-tilted by about 80 to about 90 degrees in
the absence of an applied electric field.
[0020] The pair of field generating electrodes may include the first pixel electrode and
the second pixel electrode, and the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode
may be disposed at the same layer and may be separated from each other.
[0021] The first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode may receive voltages with
opposite polarities with a reference voltage.
[0022] The first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode may include a stem part
and a plurality of branch electrodes extended from the stem part and a branch electrode
of the first pixel electrode and a branch electrode of the second pixel electrode
may be alternately disposed. A distance between a branch of the first pixel electrode
and a branch of the second pixel electrode in a first region may be relatively wide,
and a distance between a branch of the first pixel electrode and a branch of the second
pixel electrode in a second region may be relatively narrow. The first region may
be disposed in a region in which the stem part of the first pixel electrode and the
second pixel electrode is not disposed from among an edge of a pixel area.
[0023] The distance between the branch of the first pixel electrode and the branch of the
second pixel electrode in the first region may be constant, and the distance between
the branch of the first pixel electrode and the branch of the second pixel electrode
in the second region may be constant.
[0024] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also discloses a liquid crystal
display including a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other. A pair
of field generating electrodes is disposed on the first substrate. A liquid crystal
layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and the liquid
crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy.
At least one alignment layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second
substrate. A first resistivity of an upper part of the alignment layer is about ten
times greater than a second resistivity of a lower part of the alignment layer. The
alignment layer may include a main chain and at least one side chain connected to
the main chain, and the at least one side chain may include at least one of a vertical
functional group, a polar group and a combination thereof
[0025] The upper part of the alignment layer includes about 30 to about 35 wt% of the vertical
functional group and about 0 to about 70 wt% of the polar group.
[0026] The upper part of the alignment layer may not include the polar group.
[0027] The lower part of the alignment layer may include about 70 to about 80 wt% of the
polar group and about 20 to about 30 wt% of the vertical functional group.
[0028] The lower part of the alignment layer may have a lesser content of the vertical functional
group than the upper part of the alignment layer by about 5 to about 10 wt%.
[0029] A thickness ratio of the upper part of the alignment layer versus the lower part
of the alignment layer may be about 1:9 to about 1:1.
[0030] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding
of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,
illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel in a liquid crystal display
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an alignment layer of a liquid crystal display
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a layout view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 5 with
respect to line VI-VI.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.
As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified
in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
invention. The drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature
and not restrictive. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the
specification. In addition, the detailed description of widely known technologies
will be omitted.
[0039] In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated
for clarity. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region,
or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the
other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element
is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements
present. On the contrary, it will be understood that an element such as a layer, film,
region, or substrate is referred to as being "beneath" another element, it may be
directly beneath the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Meanwhile,
it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "just beneath"
another element, no intervening element is present.
[0040] In the present specification, if there is no particular mention to the contrary,
"substituted" refers to one substituted with at least a substituent selected from
the group consisting of a halogen, a C
1-C
12 haloalkyl, a C
1-C
12 alkyl, a C
1-C
12 alkoxy, a C
6-C
12 aryl, or a C
6-C
12 aryloxy.
[0041] A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
will now be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. FIG. 1
shows a block diagram of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel in
a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an
alignment layer of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel assembly
300, a gate driver 400, a data driver 500, a gray voltage generator 800, and a signal
controller 600.
[0043] The liquid crystal panel assembly 300 includes a plurality of signal lines (not shown)
and a plurality of pixels PX connected thereto and arranged generally in a matrix
form.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 includes a first display
panel 100 and a second display panel 200 facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer
3 disposed therebetween.
[0045] The signal lines include a plurality of gate lines for transmitting a gate signal
(also called a scanning signal) and a plurality of data lines for transmitting a data
voltage. The gate lines may be disposed in the row direction and may be substantially
in parallel with each other. The data lines may be disposed in the column direction
and may be substantially in parallel with each other.
[0046] Each pixel PX includes a liquid crystal capacitor Clc having a first pixel electrode
(PEa) and a second pixel electrode (PEb) of the first display panel 100 as two terminals,
and the liquid crystal layer 3 between the first and second pixel electrodes (PEa,
PEb) functions as a dielectric material. A pixel electrode (PE) includes the first
pixel electrode (PEa) and the second pixel electrode (PEb).
[0047] The liquid crystal layer 3 may have positive dielectric anisotropy, and the long
axes of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 3 may be aligned
to be vertical with respect to the surfaces of the first display panel 100 and the
second display panel 200 while there is no electric field.
[0048] The pixel electrode (PE) and the common electrode (CE) may be disposed in the same
or different layers. First and second storage capacitors (Csta, Cstb) for working
for the liquid crystal capacitor Clc may be formed when an additional electrode (not
shown) installed in the first display panel 100 is overlapped with the first and second
pixel electrodes (PEa, PEb), and a dielectric material is disposed between the additional
electrode and the first and second pixel electrodes (PEa, PEb).
[0049] In order to realize a color system, the pixel PX is controlled to uniquely represent
one of the primary colors (i.e., spatial division) or the pixel PX is controlled to
alternately represent the primary colors with respect to time (i.e., temporal division)
so that the desired color may be recognized by a spatial and temporal sum of the primary
colors. The primary colors exemplarily include red, green, and blue. FIG. 2 shows
an example of spatial division, showing that each pixel PX includes a color filter
(CF) for indicating one of the primary colors in a region of the second display panel
200 corresponding to the first and second pixel electrodes (PEa, PEb). Differing from
FIG. 2, the color filter (CF) may be disposed above or below the first and second
pixel electrodes (PEa, PEb) of the first display panel 100.
[0050] At least one polarizer (not shown) may be disposed in the liquid crystal panel assembly
300.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, a first voltage is applied to the first pixel electrode (PEa),
and a second voltage is applied to the second pixel electrode (PEb). The first voltage
and the second voltage may have different polarities from each other. In this instance,
the first voltage and the second voltage correspond to luminance displayed by the
pixel PX, and the first voltage and the second voltage have opposite polarities with
respect to a reference voltage. That is, the first voltage may be the same magnitude
above the reference voltage as the second voltage is below the reference voltage.
[0052] A difference between the first voltage and the second voltage applied to the first
pixel electrode (PEa) and the second pixel electrode (PEb) may be represented as a
charged voltage of the liquid crystal capacitor Clc, that is, a pixel voltage. When
a potential difference occurs at the liquid crystal capacitor Clc, an electric field
in parallel with surfaces of the first display panel 100 and the second display panel
200 may be generated in the liquid crystal layer 3 between the first pixel electrode
(PEa) and the second pixel electrode (PEb). When the liquid crystal molecules 31 have
positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal molecules 31 are declined so that
the long axes may be in parallel with the direction of the electric field, and the
declined state depends on the pixel voltage. The liquid crystal layer 3 is referred
to as being in an electrically-induced optical compensation (EOC) mode. Also, a changing
state of polarization of the light passing through the liquid crystal layer 3 may
be varied according to the declined degree of the liquid crystal molecules 31. A change
of polarization may be shown as a change of transmittance of light by a polarizer
so the pixel PX may display predetermined luminance. In addition, an additional electrode
(not shown) may be formed on the second display panel 200, and the additional electrode
may appropriately control the electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer and
the direction of the liquid crystal molecules.
[0053] The driving voltage may be increased, the response speed of the liquid crystal molecules
may be increased, and transmittance response of the liquid crystal display may be
increased by applying two voltages having different polarities with respect to the
reference voltage to a single pixel PX. Further, since the polarities of the two voltages
applied to the single pixel PX are opposite to each other with respect to the reference
voltage, image degradation caused by flickering may be reduced in the case of column
inversion or row inversion of the data driver 500 in a like manner of dot inversion.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the first display panel 100 and the second display panel 200
may include at least one alignment layer 11 and 21, respectively. When no electric
field is applied to the first display panel 100 and the second display panel 200,
the liquid crystal molecules 31 with positive dielectric anisotropy may be pre-tilted
in the substantially vertical direction with respect to the first display panel 100
and the second display panel 200 by the alignment layers 11 and 21. For example, a
pre-tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules caused by the alignment layer may be
about 80 to about 95 degrees.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, the alignment layer 11 may be a vertical alignment layer. The
alignment layer 11 includes a plurality of compounds, and a compound may include a
main chain 111 and a side chain 112 attached to the main chain 111. The side chain
112 may include at least one of a vertical functional group 112a and a polar group
112b. The side chain 112 may further include functional groups such as a flexible
functional group, selectively. At least one vertical functional group 112a or at least
one polar group 112b may be combined with the main chain 111. When at least one vertical
functional group 112a and at least one polar group 112b are combined with the main
chain 111, the vertical functional group 112a and the polar group 112b may be combined
with the main chain 111 in an irregular order. FIG. 4 exemplifies the alignment layer
11, the polar group 112b may be disposed in the upper part of the alignment layer
11 or may be excluded altogether, and the alignment layer contents of the polar group
112b and the vertical functional group 112a may be variable as described below.
[0056] The vertical functional group 112a may be mainly disposed at the upper part of the
alignment layer 11, and the polar group 112b may be mainly disposed at the lower part
of the alignment layer 11. The vertical functional group 112a may vertically align
the liquid crystal molecules 31 with positive dielectric anisotropy to improve black
level expression while no electric field is applied without sacrificing alignment.
The polar group 112b enables charge transfer among a plurality of main chains 111
such that the alignment layer 11 may have a low resistance structure. Because of the
above-structured alignment layer 11, an afterimage may be reduced when the liquid
crystal display drives the liquid crystal molecules 31 with a high dielectric constant
under a high voltage condition. For example, the gray value for eliminating the surface
afterimage may be reduced by more than about 40 grays, and the intensity of the surface
afterimage may be reduced by more than about 10 times.
[0057] On the contrary, the alignment layers according to the conventional twisted nematic
(TN) mode liquid crystal display, the conventional in-plane switching (IPS) mode liquid
crystal display, and the conventional fringe field switching (FFS) mode liquid crystal
display do not include a vertical functional group, and horizontally align the liquid
crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy, so that it is difficult to
use an alignment layer for those conventional liquid crystal displays as an alignment
layer in the liquid crystal display according to exemplary embodiments of the present
invention. Also, the alignment layer in the conventional vertically aligned (VA) mode
liquid crystal display vertically aligns the liquid crystal molecules with negative
dielectric anisotropy so it is difficult to use such alignment layers for the liquid
crystal display according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0058] Resistivity at the upper part of the alignment layer 11 may be greater than resistivity
at the lower part of the alignment layer 11 by more than about 10 times, and in this
case, charge transfer may be allowable at the lower part of the alignment layer 11
and the alignment layer 11 may have a low resistance structure. Here, a thickness
ratio of the upper part of the alignment layer 11 to the lower part of the alignment
layer may be about 1:9 to 1:1.
[0059] The upper part of the alignment layer 11 may include about 30 to about 35 wt% of
the vertical functional group 112a, and in this case, vertical alignment of the liquid
crystal molecules 31 may be improved. Also, the upper part of the alignment layer
11 may include about 0 to about 70 wt% of the polar group 112b. Further, the polar
group 112b may not be included in the upper part of the alignment layer 11, and in
this case, processability and reliability of the alignment layer 11 may be improved.
[0060] The lower part of the alignment layer 11 may include about 70 to about 80 wt% of
the polar group 112b, and in this case, the low resistance structure of the alignment
layer 11 may be improved. Further, the lower part of the alignment layer 11 may include
about 20 to about 30 wt% of the vertical functional group 112a. In addition, the amount
of the vertical functional group 112a included in the lower part of the alignment
layer 11 may be less than the vertical functional group 112a included in the upper
part of the alignment layer 11 by about 5 to about 10 wt%, and in this case, processability
and reliability of the alignment layer 11 may be improved.
[0061] The alignment layers 11 and 21 include a polyimide which may be formed by a dianhydride
based compound and a diamine based compound.
[0062] In further detail, a composition for forming the alignment layers 11 and 21 may include
at least one kind of a dianhydride based compound, at least one kind of a diamine
based compound, and at least one kind of organic solvent. Further, the composition
may selectively include an additive such as a cross-linker.
[0063] The dianhydride based compound and the diamine based compound may be formed by the
molar ratio of about 1:1. The composition for the alignment layer may be coated on
the display panels 100 and 200 when the liquid crystal display is manufactured, and
the coating method may include Inkjet printing, deposition, slit coating, and spin
coating.
[0064] At least one kind of the conventional dianhydride based compound may be used for
the dianhydride based compound. For example, the dianhydride based compound may be
pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), 3,3', 4,4'-oxydiphtalic dianhydride (ODPA), 3,3',
4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), 4,4'-diphtalic (hexafluoroisopropylidene)
anhydride (6FDA), benzoquinonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, and ethylenetetracarboxylic
dianhydride.
[0065] The diamine based compound may include a vertical diamine based compound including
the vertical functional group 112a and a polar diamine based compound including the
polar functional group 112b. That is, the vertical diamine based compound includes
a diamine group and a vertical functional group connected to the diamine group, and
the polar diamine based compound includes a diamine group and a polar group connected
to the diamine group.
[0066] For example, the vertical diamine based compound may include at least one of the
compound represented by Formula 1 and the compound represented by Formula 2.

[0067] Regarding Formula 1, X is O, COO, or N, and R
1 is H or a substituted or non-substituted C
1-C
8 alkyl group, and regarding Formula 2, Y is -COOR or -NR
3 (here, R is independently H, a methyl group, or an ethyl group).
[0068] The compound shown by Formula 1 is a vertical diamine based compound including the
vertical functional group 112a, and the compound shown by Formula 2 is a polar diamine
based compound including the polar group 112b. The main chain 111 may be a polyimide.
[0070] About 30 wt% to about 35 wt% of the vertical diamine based compound with reference
to the solid content may be used at the upper part of the alignment layer 11. When
the vertical diamine based compound is used with the range of about 30 wt% to about
35 wt%, the vertical alignment of the liquid crystal molecule 31 may be improved.
Also, about 65 wt% to about 70 wt% of the sum of the polar diamine based compound
and the normal diamine based compound with reference to the solid content may be used
at the upper part of the alignment layer 11, and about 0 to about 70 wt% of the respective
polar diamine based compound and the normal diamine based compound may be used with
reference to the solid content. For example, about 30 wt% of the vertical diamine
based compound, about 0 wt% of the polar diamine based compound, and about 70 wt%
of the normal diamine based compound with reference to the solid content may be used
at the upper part of the alignment layer 11.
[0071] About 70 wt% to about 80 wt% of the polar diamine based compound with reference to
the solid content may be used at the lower part of the alignment layer 11. When about
70 wt% to about 80 wt% of the polar diamine based compound is used, resistance of
the alignment layer 11 may be reduced. Also, about 20 wt% to about 30 wt% of the vertical
diamine based compound with reference to the solid content may be used at the lower
part of the alignment layer 11. Further, the vertical diamine based compound at the
lower part of the alignment layer 11 may be about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% with reference
to the solid content less than the vertical diamine based compound at the upper part
of the alignment layer 11. Also, about 0 to about 10 wt% with reference to the solid
content of the normal diamine based compound may be used at the lower part of the
alignment layer 11.
[0072] At least one kind of general organic solvent may be used, and is not limited. At
least one kind of general additive may be used, and is not limited.
[0073] When a characteristic difference between the liquid crystal molecules 31 and the
alignment layer 11 is minimized, alignment stability of the liquid crystal molecules
may be increased and the afterimage may be reduced.
[0074] For example, a difference between a product of permittivity and resistivity of the
liquid crystal molecules 31 and a product of permittivity and resistivity of the alignment
layer 11 may be minimized.
[0075] In further detail, a relationship between the permittivity (ε
Lc) and the resistivity (ρ
LC) of the liquid crystal molecules 31 and the permittivity (ε
AL) and the resistivity (ρ
AL) of the alignment layers 11 and 21 may be represented as Equation 1.
[0076] 
[0077] Also, the permittivity (ε
LC) of the liquid crystal molecules 31 may be about 7-25, and the resistivity (ρ
LC) of the liquid crystal molecules 31 may be greater than about 1x10-
12 Ωcm. The permittivity (ε
AL) of the alignment layers 11 and 21 may be about 3.5 to about 4.5, and the resistivity
(ρ
AL) of the alignment layers 11 and 21 may be greater than about 1x10
-13 Ωcm. Also, the resistivity (ρ
AL) of the alignment layers 11 and 21 may be less than about 5x10
-11 Ωcm.
[0078] A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
will now be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0079] FIG. 5 shows a layout view of a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a
liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 5 with respect to line VI-VI.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the liquid crystal display includes a lower panel
100 and an upper panel 200 facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer 3 disposed
between the display panels 100 and 200.
[0081] The lower panel 100 will now be described.
[0082] A plurality of gate conductors including a plurality of gate lines 121, a plurality
of storage electrode lines 131, and first, second and third connecting conductors
135a, 135b, and 135c are formed on the insulation substrate 110.
[0083] The gate line 121 transmits a gate signal and is disposed in the horizontal direction,
and includes a plurality of pairs of a first gate electrode 124a and a second gate
electrode 124b that are protruded upwards.
[0084] The storage electrode line 131 receives a predetermined voltage, and is disposed
in the horizontal direction. The storage electrode line 131 is disposed between the
two neighboring gate lines 121 and is disposed nearer the gate line 121 that is disposed
lower than the other. The storage electrode line 131 includes a plurality of pairs
of a first storage electrode 133a and a second storage electrode 133b that are protruded
upwards. The connecting conductors 135a, 135b, and 135c are disposed on an edge and
a center of the pixel area.
[0085] The gate conductor may have a single-layer or multilayer structure.
[0086] A gate insulating layer 140 including a material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or
silicon oxide (SiOx) is formed on the gate conductor.
[0087] A plurality of pairs of a first semiconductor 154a and a second semiconductor 154b
including a material such as hydrogenated amorphous silicon or polysilicon are formed
on the gate insulating layer 140. The first semiconductor 154a and the second semiconductor
154b are disposed on the first gate electrode 124a and the second gate electrode 124b,
respectively.
[0088] A pair of ohmic contacts 163a and 165a are formed on the first semiconductor 154a,
and a pair of ohmic contacts (not shown) are formed on the second semiconductor 154b.
The ohmic contacts 163a and 165a may include a material such as n+ hydrogenated amorphous
silicon doped with an n-type impurity at a high concentration such as phosphorous,
or a material such as a silicide.
[0089] A data conductor including a data line 171, a first voltage transmitting line 172,
and a plurality of pairs of a first drain electrode 175a and a second drain electrode
175b is formed on the ohmic contacts 163a and 165a and the gate insulating layer 140.
[0090] The data line 171 transmits a data signal, and is disposed in the vertical direction
to cross the gate line 121 and the storage electrode line 131. The data line 171 includes
a first source electrode 173a that is a bend having a U shape opening toward the first
gate electrode 124a.
[0091] The first voltage transmitting line 172 transmits a predetermined first voltage,
and is disposed in parallel with the data line 171 to cross the gate line 121 and
the storage electrode line 131. The first voltage transmitting line 172 includes a
second source electrode 173b that is a bend having a U shape opening toward the second
gate electrode 124b. The first voltage transmitted by the first voltage transmitting
line 172 may have a predetermined size, and may have an opposite polarity to the data
signal transmitted by the data line 171.
[0092] The first drain electrode 175a and the second drain electrode 175b each include a
first end proximate the respective first source electrode 173a and second source electrode
173b, that has a rod shape and a second end that is wide and distal the respective
first source electrode 173a and second source electrode 173b. The first end of the
first drain electrode 175a faces the first source electrode 173a with respect to the
first gate electrode 124a, and the first end is partially surrounded by the U-shaped
bend of the first source electrode 173a. The second end of the first drain electrode
175a is electrically connected to the first pixel electrode 191athrough the first
contact hole 185a. The first end of the second drain electrode 175b faces the second
source electrode 173b with respect to the second gate electrode 124b, and the first
end of the second drain electrode 175b is partially surrounded by the U-shaped bend
of the second source electrode 173b. The second end is electrically connected to the
second pixel electrode 191b through the second contact hole 185b.
[0093] The first gate electrode 124a, the first source electrode 173a, and the first drain
electrode 175a form a first thin film transistor (TFT) together with the first semiconductor
154a, and a channel of the first thin film transistor is formed in the first semiconductor
154a between the first source electrode 173a and the first drain electrode 175a.
[0094] The second gate electrode 124b, the second source electrode 173b, and the second
drain electrode 175b form a second thin film transistor together with the second semiconductor
154b, and a channel of the second thin film transistor is formed in the second semiconductor
154b between the second source electrode 173b and the second drain electrode 175b.
[0095] The data conductors 171, 172, 175a, and 175b may have a single-layer or multilayer
structure.
[0096] The ohmic contacts 163a and 165a are disposed between the semiconductors 154a and
154b and the respective data conductors 171, 172, 175a, and 175b, and may reduce contact
resistance therebetween. The semiconductors 154a and 154b include portions that are
not covered by the data conductors 171, 172, 175a, and 175b and portions between the
source electrodes 173a and 173b and the drain electrodes 175a and 175b.
[0097] A passivation layer 180 may include a material such as an inorganic insulator or
an organic insulator, and is formed on the data conductors 171, 172, 175a, 175b and
the exposed portions of the semiconductors 154a and 154b.
[0098] Contact holes 185a and 185b for partially revealing the second ends of the first
drain electrode 175a and the second drain electrode 175b, respectively, are formed
in the passivation layer 180. A plurality of contact holes 186a, 186b, 187a, and 187b
for partially revealing the first, second and third connecting conductors 135a, 135b,
and 135c are formed in the passivation layer 180 and the gate insulating layer 140.
[0099] A plurality of pixel electrodes 191 including a plurality of pairs of first and second
pixel electrodes 191a and 191b including a transparent conductive material such as
indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) or a reflective metal such as aluminum,
silver, chromium, or an alloy thereof are formed on the passivation layer 180.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 5, the pixel electrode 191 is quadrangular, and the first pixel
electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b are combined. The first pixel electrode
191a and the second pixel electrode 191b form up and down symmetry with respect to
an imaginary transverse central line, and are respectively divided into two; forming
upper and lower subregions.
[0101] The first pixel electrode 191a includes a lower stem 191a1 and an upper stem 191a3,
and a plurality of first branches 191a2 and a plurality of second branches 191a4 extending
from the lower stem 191a1 and the upper stem 191a3, respectively. The second pixel
electrode 191b includes a lower stem 191b1 and an upper stem 191b3, and a plurality
of third branches 191b2 and a plurality of fourth branches 191b4 extending from the
lower stem 191b1 and the upper stem 191b3, respectively.
[0102] The lower stem 191a1 and the upper stem 191a3 of the first pixel electrode 191a are
disposed on the right side and the left side of one pixel electrode, respectively.
The lower stem 191b1 and the upper stem 191b3 of the second pixel electrode 191b are
disposed on the left side and the right side of one pixel electrode, respectively.
[0103] By this arrangement, the magnitude of the parasitic capacitance formed by overlapping
the data line and the first voltage transmitting line that are disposed on the left
side and the right side of one pixel electrode with the pixel electrode may be formed
to be symmetrical on the left side and the right side of the pixel electrode such
that the magnitudes of the parasitic capacitances between the first pixel electrode
191a and the second pixel electrode 191b, and two left and right signal lines, may
be the same, and crosstalk deterioration generated by the deviation of the right and
left parasitic capacitances may be prevented.
[0104] The angle of the plurality of branches 191a2, 191a4, 191b2, and 191b4 of the first
pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b with respect to the transverse
center line may be about 45 degrees.
[0105] The branches of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b
engage with each other with a predetermined interval therebetween and are alternately
disposed to form a pectinated pattern. The gap between the branches 191a2, 191a4,
191b2, and 191b4 of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode
191b may be within about 30µm.
[0106] The branches of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b
engage with each other and are alternately disposed, thereby forming the pectinated
pattern. A low gray region L in which the interval between the neighboring branches
is wide and a high gray region H in which the interval between the neighboring branches
is narrow exist, and the high gray region H is disposed at the center of the pixel
area and is substantially enclosed by the low gray region L. It is possible to vary
the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer
3 and display different luminance with respect to one image information set by varying
the interval between the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode
191b in one pixel. Further, it is possible to maximize a similarity between an image
viewed from the side and an image viewed from the front by properly adjusting the
interval between the branches of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel
electrode 191b. Therefore, it is possible to improve side visibility and enhance transmittance.
[0107] In the liquid crystal display according to the present exemplary embodiment, a ratio
of the low gray region L and the high gray region H may be in a range of about 4:1
to about 30:1. Also, the interval between the branches of the first pixel electrode
191a and the second pixel electrode 191b may be about 10µm to about 20µm in the low
gray region L, and the interval between the branches of the first pixel electrode
191a and the second pixel electrode 191b may be about 3µm to about 7µm in the high
gray region H.
[0108] The low gray region L is disposed to include a portion A that is not enclosed by
the stems 191a1, 191a3, 191b1, and 191b3 of the first pixel electrode 191a and the
second pixel electrode 191 b at the pixel outer portion of the liquid crystal display
according to the present exemplary embodiment, such that this region where the magnitude
of the horizontal electric field between the first pixel electrode 191a and the second
pixel electrode 191b is relatively weak is disposed in the low gray region L. Accordingly,
deterioration in display quality that may be generated by the asymmetry of the direction
of the horizontal electric field between the first pixel electrode 191a and the second
pixel electrode 191b such as texture may be reduced.
[0109] However, the shape of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode
191b in one pixel of the liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention is not limited thereto, and all shapes of which at least
portions of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b are
formed the same and are alternately disposed may be applied.
[0110] The first pixel electrode 191a is physically and electrically connected to the first
drain electrode 175a through the contact hole 185a, and receives a data voltage from
the first drain electrode 175a. Also, the second pixel electrode 191b is physically
and electrically connected to the second drain electrode 175b through the contact
hole 185b, and receives a first voltage from the second drain electrode 175b through
the first voltage transmitting line 172. The first sub-pixel electrode 191a and the
second sub-pixel electrode 191b form the liquid crystal capacitor Clc along with the
liquid crystal layer 3 interposed therebetween to maintain the applied voltage after
the first thin film transistor and the second thin film transistor are turned off.
[0111] The wide ends of the first drain electrode 175a and the second drain electrode 175b
connected to the first sub-pixel electrode 191a and the second sub-pixel electrode
191b, respectively, overlap the storage electrodes 133a and 133b, respectively, via
the gate insulating layer 140 thereby forming a first storage capacitor Csta and a
second storage capacitor Cstb, respectively, and the storage capacitors Csta and Cstb
reinforce the voltage maintaining capacity of the liquid crystal capacitor Clc.
[0112] The first pixel electrode lower stem 191a1 of the first pixel electrode 191a is connected
to the first connecting conductor 135a through the contact hole 186a, and the first
pixel electrode upper stem 191 a3 of the first pixel electrode 191 a is connected
to the first connecting conductor 135a through the contact hole 186b, thereby receiving
the voltage from the first drain electrode 175a.
[0113] The second pixel electrode lower stem 191b1 of the second pixel electrode 191b is
connected to the second connecting conductor 135b through the contact hole 187a, and
the second pixel electrode upper stem 191b3 of the second pixel electrode 191b is
connected to the third connecting conductor 135c through the contact hole 187b, thereby
receiving the first voltage from the second drain electrode 175b.
[0114] A lower alignment layer 11 may be coated on an inner surface of the display panel
100, and the lower alignment layer 11 may be a vertical alignment layer. Although
not shown, a polymer layer may be formed on the lower alignment layer 11, and the
polymer layer may include a polymer branch that is formed according to an initial
alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 31. The polymer layer may be formed
by exposing and polymerizing a prepolymer such as a monomer, that is hardened by polymerization
with light like ultraviolet rays and the alignment force of the liquid crystal molecules
may be controlled according to the polymer branch.
[0115] The upper panel 200 will now be described.
[0116] A light blocking member 220 is formed on an insulation substrate 210 made of transparent
glass or plastic. The light blocking member 220 prevents light leakage between the
pixel electrodes 191, and defines an opening region that faces the pixel electrode
191.
[0117] A plurality of color filters 230 are formed on the substrate 210 and the light blocking
member 220. The color filters 230 mostly exist within the area surrounded by the light
blocking member 220, and may longitudinally extend along the columns of the pixel
electrodes 191 in the longitudinal direction. The respective color filters 230 may
display one of the three primary colors including red, green, and blue. The primary
colors may further include a transparent color.
[0118] An overcoat 250 is formed on the color filters 230 and the light blocking member
220. The overcoat 250 may be made of an inorganic or organic insulator, and prevents
the color filters 230 from being exposed and provides a planarized surface. The overcoat
250 may be omitted.
[0119] An upper alignment layer 21 is coated on the inner surface of the display panel 200,
and the upper alignment layer may be a vertical alignment layer. Although not shown,
the polymer layer may also be formed on the upper alignment layer. The polymer layer
may be formed by exposing a prepolymer such as a monomer, which is hardened by polymerization
with light like ultraviolet rays such as a monomer, such that the alignment force
of the liquid crystal molecules may be controlled. The polymer layer may include a
polymer branch that is formed according to the initial alignment direction of the
liquid crystal molecules.
[0120] A polarizer (not shown) may be disposed on the outer surface of the display panels
100 and 200.
[0121] The liquid crystal layer 3 that is disposed between the lower display panel 100 and
the upper display panel 200 includes the liquid crystal molecules 31 that have a positive
dielectric anisotropicity, and the liquid crystal molecules 31 may be aligned so that
long axes thereof are perpendicular with respect to the surfaces of the two display
panels 100 and 200 in a state in which there is no electric field.
[0122] When the data voltages with opposite polarities are applied to the respective first
pixel electrode 191a and second pixel electrode 191b, a substantially horizontal electric
field is generated on the surfaces of the display panels 100 and 200. Thus, the liquid
crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal layer 3 that are initially aligned perpendicular
to the surfaces of the display panels 100 and 200 are rearranged in response to the
electric field such that the long axes thereof are declined parallel to the direction
of the electric field, and the change degree of the polarization of the light incident
to the liquid crystal layer 3 is different according to the declination degree of
the liquid crystal molecules 31. The change of the polarization appears as a change
of transmittance by the polarizer, and thereby the liquid crystal display displays
images.
[0123] Furthermore, when the liquid crystal molecules 31 that are aligned perpendicular
to the display panel 100 and 200 are used, the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal
display may be improved and the wide viewing angle may be realized. In addition, since
the liquid crystal molecules 31 that have positive dielectric anisotropicity have
greater dielectric anisotropicity and lower rotation viscosity compared to the liquid
crystal molecules 31 that have negative dielectric anisotropicity, it is possible
to obtain a rapid response speed.
[0124] Also, in the liquid crystal display according to the present exemplary embodiment,
the branches of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b
engage with each other and are alternately disposed, thereby forming a pectinated
pattern. A low gray region L is formed where the interval between the neighboring
branches is wide and a high gray region H is formed where the interval between the
neighboring branches is narrow, and the high gray region H is disposed at the center
of the pixel area and is substantially enclosed by the low gray region L. It is possible
to vary the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules 31 of the liquid crystal
layer 3 and display different luminance with respect to one image information set
by varying the interval between the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel
electrode 191b in one pixel. Further, it is possible to maximize the similarity of
an image viewed from the side to an image viewed from the front by properly adjusting
the interval between the branches of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second
pixel electrode 191b. Therefore, it is possible to improve side visibility and enhance
transmittance.
[0125] Also, since the liquid crystal display according to the present exemplary embodiment
includes the low gray region L and the high gray region H where the intervals between
the branches of the first pixel electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b
are different, it is possible to maximize the similarity between an image viewed from
the side and an image viewed from the front. Therefore, it is possible to improve
side visibility and enhance transmittance.
[0126] According to the present exemplary embodiment, a portion A that is not enclosed by
the stems 191a1, 191a3, 191b1, and 191b3 of the first pixel electrode 191a and the
second pixel electrode 191 b at the pixel outer portion of the liquid crystal display
where the magnitude of the horizontal electric field between the first pixel electrode
191a and the second pixel electrode 191b is relatively weak is disposed in the low
gray region L. Accordingly, deterioration of display quality that may be generated
by asymmetry of the direction of the horizontal electric field between the first pixel
electrode 191a and the second pixel electrode 191b, such as texture, may be reduced.
[0127] Additionally, according to the exemplary embodiments, liquid crystals having positive
dielectric anisotropy are vertically aligned and afterimages are reduced.
[0128] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
1. A liquid crystal display, comprising:
a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other;
a pair of field generating electrodes disposed on the first substrate;
a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
the liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric
anisotropy; and
at least one alignment layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
wherein the at least one alignment layer comprises:
a main chain and at least one side chain connected to the main chain, wherein the
at least one side chain comprises a vertical functional group or a polar group;
at least one main chain to which a side chain comprising a vertical functional group
is connected; and
at least one main chain to which a side chain comprising a polar functional group
is connected.
2. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein
the vertical functional group is originated from a compound represented by Formula
1, and the polar group is originated from a compound represented by Formula 2:

wherein, in Formula 1, X is O, COO, or N, and R
1 is H or a substituted or non-substituted C
1-C
8 alkyl group, and in Formula 2, Y is -COOR or -NR
3 (here, R is independently H, a methyl group, or an ethyl group).
3. The liquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein
the main chain comprises a polyimide.
4. The liquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein
the main chain to which a side chain comprising the vertical functional group is disposed
at an upper part of the alignment layer, and the main chain to which a side chain
comprising the polar group is disposed at a lower part of the alignment layer.
5. The liquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein
a difference between a product of permittivity and resistivity of the liquid crystal
molecules and a product of permittivity and resistivity of the alignment layer is
minimized.
6. The liquid crystal display of claim 5, wherein
the liquid crystal molecules and the alignment layer satisfy Equation 1:

wherein ε
LC is the permittivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ρ
LC is the resistivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ε
AL is the permittivity of the alignment layer, and ρ
AL is the resistivity of the alignment layer.
7. The liquid crystal display of claim 6, wherein
permittivity of the liquid crystal molecules is about 7 to about 25, and resistivity
of the liquid crystal molecules is greater than about 1x10-12 Ωcm.
8. The liquid crystal display of claim 6, wherein
permittivity of the alignment layer is about 3.5 to about 4.5, and resistivity of
the alignment layer is less than about 5x10-11 Ωcm and greater than about 1x10-13 Ωcm.
9. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein
the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a vertical direction with respect to the
first substrate or the second substrate.
10. The liquid crystal display of claim 9, wherein
the liquid crystal molecules are pre-tilted by about 80 to about 90 degrees in the
absence of an applied electric field.
11. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein
the pair of field generating electrodes comprises a first pixel electrode and a second
pixel electrode, and the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are
disposed at the same layer and are separated from each other.
12. The liquid crystal display of claim 11, wherein
the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are configured to receive
voltages with opposite polarities with a reference voltage.
13. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein
the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode each comprise a stem part
and a plurality of branch electrodes extended from the stem part, wherein the branch
electrodes of the first pixel electrode and the branch electrodes of the second pixel
electrode are alternately disposed with each other,
a distance between a first branch electrode of the first pixel electrode and a first
branch electrode of the second pixel electrode in a first region is greater than a
distance between a second branch electrode of the first pixel electrode and a second
branch electrode of the second pixel electrode in a second region, and
the first region is disposed in a region in which the stem part of the first pixel
electrode and the stem part of the second pixel electrode are not disposed at an edge
of a pixel area.
14. The liquid crystal display of claim 13, wherein
the distance between the first branch electrode of the first pixel electrode and the
first branch electrode of the second pixel electrode in the first region is constant,
and
the distance between the second branch electrode of the first pixel electrode and
the second branch electrode of the second pixel electrode in the second region is
constant.
15. The liquid crystal display of claim 13, wherein
the vertical functional group is originated from a compound represented by Formula
1, and the polar group is originated from a compound represented by Formula 2:

wherein, in Formula 1, X is O, COO, or N, and R
1 is H or a substituted or non-substituted C
1-C
8 alkyl group, and in Formula 2, Y is -COOR or -NR
3 (here, R is independently H, a methyl group, or an ethyl group).
16. The liquid crystal display of claim 13, wherein
a difference between a product of permittivity and resistivity of the liquid crystal
molecules and a product of permittivity and resistivity of the alignment layer is
minimized.
17. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein
a difference between a product of permittivity and resistivity of the liquid crystal
molecules and a product of permittivity and resistivity of the alignment layer is
minimized.
18. The liquid crystal display of claim 17, wherein
the liquid crystal molecules and the alignment layer satisfy Equation 1:

wherein ε
LC is the permittivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ρ
Lc is the resistivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ε
AL is the permittivity of the alignment layer, and ρ
AL is the resistivity of the alignment layer.
19. The liquid crystal display of claim 18, wherein
permittivity of the liquid crystal molecule is about 7 to about 25, and resistivity
of the liquid crystal molecules is greater than about 1x10-12 Ωcm.
20. The liquid crystal display of claim 18, wherein
permittivity of the alignment layer is about 3.5 to about 4.5, and resistivity of
the alignment layer is less than about 5x10-11 Ωcm and greater than about 1x10-13 Ωcm.
21. A liquid crystal display, comprising:
a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other;
a pair of field generating electrodes disposed on the first substrate;
a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
the liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric
anisotropy; and
at least one alignment layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
wherein
a first resistivity at an upper part of the alignment layer is greater than a second
resistivity at a lower part of the alignment layer by more than about 10 times.
22. The liquid crystal display of claim 21, wherein
the alignment layer comprises a main chain and at least one side chain connected to
the main chain, and the at least one side chain comprises at least one of a vertical
functional group, a polar group and a combination thereof
23. The liquid crystal display of claim 22, wherein
the upper part of the alignment layer comprises about 30 to about 35 wt% of the vertical
functional group and about 0 to about 70 wt% of the polar group.
24. The liquid crystal display of claim 23, wherein
the upper part of the alignment layer does not include the polar group.
25. The liquid crystal display of claim 22, wherein
the lower part of the alignment layer comprises about 70 to about 80 wt% of the polar
group and about 20 to about 30 wt% of the vertical functional group.
26. The liquid crystal display of claim 25, wherein
the lower part of the alignment layer comprises a lesser content of the vertical functional
group than the upper part of the alignment layer by about 5 to about 10 wt%.
27. The liquid crystal display of claim 21, wherein
a thickness ratio of the upper part of the alignment layer versus the lower part of
the alignment layer is about 1:9 to about 1:1.
28. The liquid crystal display of claim 21, wherein
a difference between a product of permittivity and resistivity of the liquid crystal
molecules and a product of permittivity and resistivity of the alignment layer is
minimized.
29. The liquid crystal display of claim 28, wherein
the liquid crystal molecules and the alignment layer satisfy Equation 1:

wherein ε
LC is the permittivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ρ
LC is the resistivity of the liquid crystal molecules, ε
AL is the permittivity of the alignment layer, and ρ
AL is the resistivity of the alignment layer.